Puberty 101Drug Abuse
| Inhalants | ||
| What It Is | ||
| Inhalants are carbon-based substances which produce
effects similar to alcohol or anesthetics when inhaled. Some users strengthen
the effect by sniffing from inside a bag placed over the head, which is
extremely dangerous. Inhalant misuse seems to be prevalent mainly among age 12
to 16. A small proportion of those who try sniffing continue for several years, although most stop after a short period of time. | ||
| Street Names | ||
| Glues, Paints, Dry Cleaning Fluids, Aerosols and Propellant Gasses, Fuels, and Cigarette Lighter Gas | ||
| How It Is Taken | ||
| Usually by sniffing in a bag. | ||
| What It Does | ||
| Inhalant vapors are absorbed through the lungs and
rapidly reach the brain. Breathing and heart rate are reduced. Repeated use by
deep inhalation can result in an overdose which can cause disorientation, loss
of control and finally unconsciousness, although inhalant users usually recover
quickly from these effects. At small doses inhalants produce a drunken like
stupor. At larger doses inhalants may cause hallucinations. The effects of the
inhalant vapors occur quickly and disappear within a few minutes to any hour
after sniffing is stopped. Some inhalants products (particularly aerosol gases and cleaning fluids) can cause heart failure, especially during physically exertion while intoxicated. However, deaths are rare and most can be avoided even if inhalant misuse itself cannot be prevented. With continuous use, tolerance to the effects of inhalants develops, but physical or psychological dependence is rare. | ||
| Medical Uses | ||
| None | ||
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